Dutch ministry preserves right to verify claims

LUXEMBOURG – The Dutch government has salvaged its right to verify claims for social programs, such as state pensions AOW, disability provisions and survivor benefits. The Netherlands negotiated treaties with, among others, Morocco that allows for verification of claims for benefits. Claimants in Morocco who built up rights while living or working in the Netherlands before repatriating, receive about 85 million euros of the 100 million euros annually sent abroad. The EU was discussing their desire to drop the verification process and basically wanted to streamline the process by accepting claims without verification. When paying Dutch pension AOW, two qualifying individuals who live together receive less than when living apart, an area of concern to Dutch officials.